First Contact
A beginner's course in Kyokushin karate
It's your first four lessons, and the first rung on our contact ladder, which involves no contact at all. You start in a small group of other beginners, and you build step by step.
$89 including your uniform
Four weekly lessons in your own beginner group, then two inside the regular class so the group joins the dojo together. [Confirm: lessons 5 and 6 included in $89]
Starts [start date]. Limited to [number] people per group, because the small group is the point.
Kyokushin is a traditional karate known for strong basics, conditioning and respect. Partner training includes real contact, introduced in steps, with rules, supervision and your agreement.
What people usually want to know
What actually happens in a class?
Every lesson follows the same four steps: review the last lesson, learn one new idea, see how it fits into kata and kumite, then use it with a partner. Each week is set out below.
Will I fit in?
You start with other beginners, so nobody in the room is ahead of you. After four lessons your group moves into the regular class together.
Is this a fighting class?
No. First Contact is about learning karate: stance, movement, kata and working with a partner. Kyokushin does include real-contact sparring (kumite), but you reach it later, with rules, protective gear and supervision, and only if you choose it.
Will I be hit?
Not in the beginner course unless you choose it. The first lessons involve no contact with a person, and the one light-contact drill in lesson 4 is optional. Either partner can say "lighter" or "stop" at any time, and it's treated as normal.
Can I really do this?
No experience is needed. You learn the etiquette, your stance and your first punch in lesson 1, and everything builds from there.
What happens, week by week
Two journeys run side by side. Kata gives you progression, building toward a complete first kata. Partner work gives it meaning: you use what you learn with another person, one step of the contact ladder at a time.
Red lessons are the beginner course. Grey lessons are inside the regular class, with your group. Tap a lesson to open it.
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Lesson 1, beginner course
Belonging
You'll leave thinking: I know where this is going, and nothing is asked of me before I'm ready.- We name the art plainly: this is karate with a contact ladder, and here is where it goes. You won't do any of it today.
- Etiquette, posture, your first stance and first punch.
- The first building block of your kata.
- Target drills and focus mitts. No contact on a person.
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Lesson 2, beginner course
Stability
You'll leave thinking: I am improving.- Stance, stepping, movement and distance (maai).
- Moving through your kata.
- Move into distance and strike the pad. Distance is one ingredient of kumite.
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Lesson 3, beginner course
Awareness
You'll leave thinking: I understand why we learn blocks, and I know the rules we train by.- Blocking, turning, changing direction and guard.
- Your first direction changes in kata.
- Simple attack-and-block exercises. Before anything starts, we agree the rules: nobody is trying to beat anyone, both partners control the level, and anyone can say "lighter" or "stop" at any time.
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Lesson 4, beginner course
Integration
You'll leave thinking: everything fits together.- Everything from lessons 1 to 3, put together.
- The opening sequence of your first kata.
- Two senior students show a controlled kumite round while the instructor talks you through it in words you already know: distance, guard.
- An optional, structured light-contact drill using the rules from lesson 3. Nobody is pushed.
- A closing talk on what comes next, including the grading path and when kumite starts for you.
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Lesson 5, regular class
Participation
You'll leave thinking: I belong here.- Continue your kata inside the regular class, alongside the rest of the dojo.
- Extended partner exercises at the level you've agreed.
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Lesson 6, regular class
Possibility
You'll leave thinking: I can continue this journey.- Complete your first kata.
- Use the movements with more timing and awareness.
- Kumite is explained formally, including how steps 1 and 2 of the ladder fit inside it. You watch steps 3 and 4 in the senior class.
Where it leads: the contact ladder
You choose when to take each step, and you won't be asked to take one before you're ready. First Contact covers steps 1 and 2.
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Drills with no contact
Set attacks and responses with pads and mitts.
Covered in First Contact -
Agreed light contact
Body only, at an intensity you agree beforehand.
Covered in First Contact, optional -
Controlled kumite
Rounds with rules, supervision and protective gear.
Later. You watch it demonstrated. -
Full-contact kumite
Regular class, for students who have chosen it. Competition is optional, and comes later.
Later. Your choice.
Who this is for
- You've thought about karate and want a real start, not a one-off class.
- You've never trained, or you trained another style and want to try Kyokushin.
- You'd like to learn in a small group where people know your name.
- You're willing to work, and you want to know where it leads.
Who this isn't for
- You want a single trial class. This is a six-lesson course.
- You want a casual drop-in activity.
- You want a non-contact or point-sparring class.
- You want fast belts, or to compete straight away.
Message us and we'll arrange a visit. [Confirm: free, no commitment, can watch a class]
Who teaches
[Instructor name, photo, grade, years training, and who they train under (with permission).] You'll be taught by the same instructor each week.
What happens after lesson 6
It's your decision. [Continuing options, price and any commitment, e.g. "Continue in the regular class at $X. No contract."] Or stop there. Either is fine.
Where, and what to bring
Address
7A/44 Hutton Street, Osborne Park WA 6017
View on Google Maps
What to bring
[Water, etc. Your uniform is included.]
Parking
[Where to park, and which door.]
Watching
[Whether you can watch a class first.]
Ready to start, or want to ask first?
Send us a message and ask anything: cost, what to wear, what to bring. We reply personally.
Or email theblackswandojo@gmail.com
Considering this for your teenager? Information for parents